National Tourism Day: History, theme and significance
India prides itself for its stunning, rich and unique cultural heritage which is a significant part of the country’s identity. From the northernmost parts of Kashmir’s snow-capped Himalayan peaks, to the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari, our nation has a plethora of natural and cultural diversity to offer. In order to pay a tribute to the nation’s rich heritage and natural beauty and to make citizens aware about tourism and its impact on our economy, January 25 is celebrated as National Tourism Day every year. Read on to learn about its theme for 2022, its history and significance.
Theme for National Tourism Day 2022
This year, the theme for National Tourism Day is ‘Rural and Community Centric Tourism.’ Rural areas in India are very often overlooked in terms of tourism, even with the unique sites, locations and monuments they have to offer. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic made the situation even worse for tourism globally and in India. This theme raises awareness about the importance of helping these smaller rural economies by investing in tourist activities there.
History of National Tourism Day
The year when National Tourism Day was initiated is not yet known. However, what is known is that in the year 1948, a Tourist Traffic Committee was established for the purpose of promoting tourism. It wasn’t until a decade later, in 1958, that a distinct department pertaining to tourism was set up under India’s Ministry of Tourism and Communication. It was headed by the Deputy General in the rank of Joint Secretary. The department’s primary aim is to take measures to preserve the national heritage of India and make sites of historical or cultural significance accessible and tourist-friendly.
Significance of National Tourism Day
India is known to be one of the oldest civilizations in the entire world. With a rich, diverse heritage and a vast number of attractive tourist sites and places to visit, our country is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers from all over the globe. National Tourism Day is observed annually to shed a light on the tourist sector’s significant contribution to India’s economic development and make people aware of this industry’s growth aspects.
How will the National Tourism Day celebrated?
This year, the Ministry of Tourism is organising various programmes that will include cultural events, lights, and sound shows at 75 major tourism centres and all the tourist destinations across India. There will also be an Indian Tourism Pictorial Quiz to showcase India’s varied tourism architecture, products, cuisine, and culture. This year’s celebrations will come under the aegis of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahaotsav.’ Launched by the Prime Minister, the Mahaotsav is a 75-week-long celebration to mark India’s 75 years of independence. The Indian Government has also decided to organise an All-India Conference on Temple Architecture during the last week of February 2022.